EcoWaste Coalition is a public interest network of community, church, school, environmental and health groups pursuing sustainable solutions
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15 September 2009

EcoWaste Coalition pushes for tighter rules on toxic chemicals as plastic shoes show high levels of environmental toxins

Quezon City.An investigation on toxins in flip-flops, sandals, clogs and other plastic shoes in seven countries, including the Philippines, indicated disturbing concentrations of harmful chemicals that are injurious to human health and the environment.

The study by the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC), the renowned 100-year old environmental organization in Sweden, in cooperation with the EcoWaste Coalition and partner groups in India, Indonesia, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda, showed that the tested plastic shoe samples contained varying amounts of harmful chemicals regardless of the country of purchase, price, model or color.

“We have found frightening concentrations of environmental toxins in the shoes that can spread to people and to the environment as the shoes become worn. The investigation also shows that companies have no control and that legislation is too weak,” said Mikael Karlsson, President of the SSNC.

According to the report “Chemicals Up-Close,” 17 of the 27 pairs of plastic shoes tested positive for phthalates (pronounced “thal-ates”),which are used as softening agents in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic.

A fact sheet on phthalates prepared by the EcoWaste Coalition as part of its work on consumer information for chemical safety identifies phthalates such as BBP, DBP, DEHP,DiDP, DiNP and DnOP as endocrine disruptors associated with developmental and reproductive disorders, including incomplete testicular growth and decreased fertility in men. DEHP, in particular, is officially classified as being able to cause impaired fertility and harm to the unborn child.

Three of the four samples from the Philippines were found to contain di-ethylhexyl phthalate or DEHP, with one sample containing DEHP and di-isodecyl phthalate or DiDP, and another sample containing DEHP and dibutyl phthalate or DBP.

One locally-manufactured slipper for children that the EcoWaste Coalition bought in SM North EDSA Department Store contained 6.9% of DEHP and 4.7% of DiDP, while the other China-made flip-flop purchased in Puregold Supermarket in Cubao had 8.6% DEHP.A men’s slipper bought in SM North EDSA Department Store registered the highest amount of DBP at 9.6% among the plastic shoe samples from seven countries.

“There is no justification for the continued use of harmful chemicals such as phthalates in consumer products that could pose grave health and environmental risks.The toxins are spread as the products are used and can leach out when disposed in water bodies, dumpsites and landfills,” said Manny Calonzo, President of the EcoWaste Coalition.

“We hope that the results of the investigation would prompt our lawmakers and regulators to craft and enforce legislation that will tighten, if not completely end, the use of toxic chemicals that are dangerous to public health and the environment,” he added.

The shoes were also tested for a number of tin organic compounds and for heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, manganese, nickel and zinc.

All the samples from the Philippines and elsewhere tested positive for varying concentrations of one or more of the 10 heavy metals analyzed,many of which are harmful to the endocrine, nervous and reproductive systems, are carcinogenic and allergenic, and highly toxic to aquatic organisms.The highest level of copper content was found in one shoe sample from the Philippines, while another sample (also from the Philippines) tested high for nickel content.

The investigation also showed that local and global regulations on harmful chemicals are “far too weak” and that urgent and concerted policies are required to safeguard consumers and the environment from toxic harm.

The EcoWaste Coalition is one with the SSNC in proposing the development of legally-binding agreements that will result to the phase out of hazardous chemicals in consumer products within the framework of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM).

Here are some recommendations to protect the consumers and the environment from health and environmental toxins in consumer goods:

Recommendations to Consumers:

1.Assert the right to know: demand complete product information from the manufacturer and retailer.

2.Avoid PVC products and go for safer substitutes that do not contain phthalate plasticizers or softeners.

3.Refrain from patronizing products made of toxic substances or if the manufacturer cannot provide essential data to make informed choices.

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is a public interest network of community, church, school, environmental and health groups pursuing sustainable solutions to waste, climate change and chemical issues facing the Philippines and the world.